Online Grocery Delivery, the Buzzing New Norm

It’s  been over a month now, our lives have been put on hold due to the COVID-19. Governments worldwide have imposed stricter measures spanning weeks, to mitigate chances of transmission. And the extension  of the community quarantine in a matter of days.

This lock down brought us face to face with a set of circumstances people are now calling “The New Normal.”

In the face of these challenges, Senator Manny Pacquiao is set to file the “New Normal Law.” This bill aims to enforce social distancing practices in different establishments, which will include the adoption of non-contact greetings, events streaming, and no physical contact in church services. Also, shopping time may be limited and grocery lists may be required. Online shopping can also become the “new normal” to reduce the threat of the second wave, Pacquiao added.

The Challenge

With shoppers only allowed on particular schedules, and many stores closed, digital commerce has become the lifeline for retailers. Delivery however has become challenging due to a lack of logistics. Meanwhile, Drive, a peer-to-peer car rental platform, has pivoted its car rental fleet to cope with the new needs of transport and logistic services. Drive Groceries, an online delivery web-app service for groceries and medicines.

As a way to also contribute to the nationwide call for the public to stay at home, the app then matches orders with the closest peer grocer from the online shopper. The peer grocer runs errands on behalf of the customer with no minimum order amount required. This service would then incur a service fee and a delivery fee that varies depending on the total bill. Peer grocers are currently accepting payments via bank transfers and GCash. Cash on delivery is available for receipts not exceeding two thousand pesos (Php 2000).

Adaptation

Solutions during this crisis will not be quick or easy. Each day in operation is a learning experience requiring constant flexibility and adjustments. Drive Groceries has heard the call, and now brings us its web-app, groceries.drivemanila.com. The groceries are guaranteed next day delivery within Metro Manila and 1-2 days in Mega Manila.Card payments would kick-off in the coming days. And might as well roll out parcel and food deliveries.

Sounds buzzing familiar? As bees went on hiatus last year, peer grocers are here to help.

With all these efforts, may we all find a measure of relief in addressing our new normal, through this shared crisis and beyond.